Three Bennett Jones partners have been honoured as recipients of Client Choice awards for 2016. Established in 2005, the Client Choice awards recognize the law firm partners around the world that stand apart for the excellent client service they provide.

The criteria for the awards focus on the ability to add real value to clients' business above and beyond other players in the market. Uniquely, these awards survey senior corporate counsel only, with this year's winners chosen from a pool of more than 2,500 individual client assessments. Bennett Jones' winners are:

• Sander Grieve - Energy & Natural Resources category for Ontario. Sander was also a Client Choice winner in 2012. Sander is a partner in the firm's Toronto office, and Head of the Mining Law Group.  
• Martin Kratz - Intellectual Property: Trademarks category for Alberta. Martin was also a Client Choice winner in 2013 and 2015. Martin is a partner in the firm's Calgary office, and Head of the Intellectual Property Law Group.  
• Ted Shoub - General Corporate category for Ontario. Ted is a partner in the firm's Toronto office.

What clients say about working with Sander:

He is the counsel you want in your corner when dealing with tricky boardroom discussions. I have total respect for his judgement and legal advice.

Sander takes a business approach. He is one of the rare legal counsels who appreciate the commercial aspects of the transaction.

His service is outstanding. He always provides sound advice and innovative solutions to ensure a successful execution.

Sander exercises great leadership with his team of advisers. He ensures that all members are focused on key issues and deliver the top-level services that clients expect and demand.

What clients say about working with Martin:

Many lawyers cannot add the value that Martin brings. He provides not only legal advice, but also strategic advice.

I cannot find anyone as thoughtful as Martin. Not only does he offer an elevated level of technical knowledge on IP issues, he makes an effort to understand our unique situation and contextualize his advice so that it is meaningful, practical and helpful.

He is able to source and supply additional information outside his jurisdiction in order to supplement his advice in an efficient and cost-effective way.

We are continually impressed by his legal expertise and ability to parlay his specialized knowledge into sensible action items.

What clients say about working with Ted:

Ted ensures the client is well equipped and informed during negotiations. He gives them confidence that they are in the best possible circumstance from all angles.

Ted possesses the rare talent of being able to distil complicated matters into understandable, actionable and decision-ready points.

He is an exceptional lawyer who has the innate ability to get things done effectively and efficiently, while strategically overcoming all potential hurdles and still meeting all legal requirements.

One of his greatest strengths is knowing how to handle clients. He has a knack for knowing when to accept their views and when to encourage a different, more appropriate approach.

This year, Client Choice recognizes 383 winners across 68 jurisdictions worldwide. Client Choice also recognizes winners at the provincial and state level in Canada and the United States. This year, 223 winners across four Canadian provinces and 34 US states and have been recognized.

For more on the Client Choice Awards 2016, visit www.clientchoice.com

About Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to over 380 lawyers and business advisors in nine offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, the firm is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.

Media contact

Peter Zvanitajs
Senior Media Advisor
Bennett Jones
T: 416 777 6128 | C: 437 999 6214
E: zvanitajsp@bennettjones.com
W: www.bennettjones.com